Skinny-Dipping at Monster Lake
by Bill Wallace
Simon and Schuster 2014
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- facing fears
- courage
- truth vs. rumor
- teamwork
- responsibility
- curiosity
- summer adventure
About this book
When Kent spots two glowing yellow eyes beneath Cedar Lake, he’s sure there’s a logical explanation—until the eyes seem to follow him. With a tight circle of friends and a long summer ahead, he sets out to uncover the truth behind the so‑called monster. Clues, dares, and late‑night stakeouts turn their days into a high‑stakes mystery. It’s a fast, outdoorsy adventure for middle graders who like realistic mysteries, loyal friendships, and a few goosebumps without the nightmares.
Setting: a small town and Cedar Lake during summer break, contemporary United States
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Skinny-Dipping at Monster Lake right for my child?
Yes — Skinny-Dipping at Monster Lake is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.6, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include friendship, facing fears, courage.
How long does it take to read Skinny-Dipping at Monster Lake?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Skinny-Dipping at Monster Lake takes around 5.8h to finish. The book has 52,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Skinny-Dipping at Monster Lake have an AR quiz?
Yes — Skinny-Dipping at Monster Lake has an AR quiz available, worth 6 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Skinny-Dipping at Monster Lake?
Skinny-Dipping at Monster Lake has an AR reading level of 4.6, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.